Rising Alpha

16

Between this wild car ride and some of Dom's alarming traits, they haven't been as sure about Dom since we left the gas station, and I don't blame them. I'm not sure if I trust him either.

Dom glances in the mirror and then focuses back on the road. His hands are tense on the wheel and the space between his eyebrows are pinched.

Another big dip causes the car to shake once again. A groan that sounds awfully close to a growl fills the air.

Shit, at least one of them are close to shift. "How much longer is this going to be? If we don't get there soon, we may have a whole new issue on our hands."

Once again, he checks his mirrors and tightens his grip on the steering wheel. He's gripping it so hard his knuckles are white. "I can't do this right now."

Why does he keep looking back? I tap into my wolf and use her night vision to scan the area, but I can't find a damn thing except for dense trees and a dark sky filled with clouds. Granted no one can see straight when they are being thrown around like a couple of rag dolls.

The car slams to a stop and my chest explodes in pain. I push myself off the glovebox and growl. "Could you have at least given us a warning?"

"Oh, I'm sorry. Would you rather I ran into the tree?" He motions to the front of the car emphasizing his point.

Lo and behold, a huge tree has fallen across the road and blocked the path. Our car is mere inches from it. I bet I couldn't even slide between the car and the large trunk. That would've been God-awful

if our car hit it. To be honest, I'm surprised it's even made it this far. "You did the right thing."

A sexy-ass smirk fills his face and he winks at me. "I'm glad you approve."

It's not good what his smile does to my insides. I could jump him right now but my dignity is the only thing holding me back. And let's pretend it's also the other ladies, but hell maybe they'd like a good show.

"So what are we going to do?" Charlotte's voice is a tad stronger but has a tinge of hysteria laced through it.

Please let her hold her s**t together. If she broke out in a fit right now, I might join her. This day has turned out better than I expected... I think. If I had stayed behind, I'd be tied to that dickhead. I've got to believe any alternative is better than that or I won't keep moving. If Dom’s my mate, I've got to believe at some point fate will give me a flippin' break.

"I'm going to get out and move the tree so we can keep going. I'd say we'd walk the rest of the way, but not in the condition we're all in." Dom opens the driver door and gets out. "You guys stay inside. I'll be right back."

Oh, hell no. There is no way that's happening. I yank my door open and stride out. "I'll get one side and you can get the other."

His eyes bulge and glances behind us. "You need to get back in the car. Now."

For his benefit, I'm going to pretend those words never came out of his mouth. "You may be strong, but it'll go faster if I help." I hurry to one side of the tree while the other three ladies exit the car.

"For the love of God, do any of you listen?" Dom eyes glow and he clenches his hands into fists.

I can't hold the chuckle in. Just this morning, all four of us were cowering under Kevin, but now we all defy the man who's supposed to be saving us. "Maybe you should have taken me up on my offer earlier." We'd all have to bow to him, and he'd become our alpha.

He scowls and shakes his head. "No, I've made the right choice." He heads to the middle section of the tree where there are a ton of thick branches.

The huge oak tree has to be at least six feet wide and who knows how tall. I lift the trunk and can barely get it off the ground. How much does it weigh? This is a freaking pain in the ass. I hate to ask a pregnant lady to help, but there is no way Abigail can. "Charlotte, do you mind giving me a hand while Alison helps Dom?" At least Dom will take the brunt of it so Alison should have an easier time helping him than me.

Without missing a beat, Charlotte hurries next to me gets a firm grip on the trunk a few inches from where I'm holding on.

"I hate that I'm useless." Abigail stomps and pouts. Something howls off in the distance and she glances behind us. "Do you hear something?"

It concerns me that she only notices it now. Maybe she's in worse shape than I realize. "Yup, that's why we need to hurry." I glance over to Dom and he's holding onto several large branches and Alison has some smaller ones she's clutching.

"Let's go." Dom nods at me and begins pulling.

"Push, Charlotte." I growl as I let my wolf emerge.

Soon the tree begins to move away from the road.

"Just a little bit more guys. It's almost clear." Abigail encourages and we continue to strain.

Some branches break a few hundred yards away. They're getting closer and closer. We've got to get this moved and fast. I tap back into my wolf and borrow a surge of energy and strength.

"Who's that?" Charlotte's voice is almost a whisper. "Did Kevin already find us?"

The breeze changes direction and blows past us in the opposite direction. With it there is a slight scent of earth and sage. It's another wolf shifter, but not one I've smelled before. "No, it's not him."

Abigail cradles her arm once more and there is another odd twist to the forearm. Not as before, but still not laying flat in the makeshift splint. But her eyes are wide with fear. "I'm pretty sure my

arm’s broken again. I can't fight like this. What the hell is going to happen to us?" A small whimper comes from Charlotte.

Hysteria is building, we do need more information from Dom. There is no more time for secrets. "Where the hell are we going?" He's taken us away from civilization of any kind, which is great except for the fact we have someone riding our asses.

"There's no way I'm following any longer without any answers." Alison takes a step away from him and glares.

Doesn't he know not to piss off a pregnant lady? Even if he's my fated, that doesn't automatically make him a good guy.

DOM

M

aybe being the sole male with four women wasn't my smartest decision. However, if I had to do it over again, I'd do it in a heartbeat.